Beyond Bulls & Bears

Pent-Up Consumer Demand Fuels US Market Recovery
Equity

Pent-Up Consumer Demand Fuels US Market Recovery

What are “epicenter stocks” and what role do they play in an economic recovery? Read more from Franklin Equity Group’s Grant Bowers.

PODCAST: Factoring Inflation and Valuations into Stock-Picking Decisions
Equity

PODCAST: Factoring Inflation and Valuations into Stock-Picking Decisions

Our Chief Market Strategist Stephen Dover speaks with portfolio managers Matt Moberg from Franklin Equity Group and Aram Green from ClearBridge Investments on how they factor inflation and valuations into stock-picking decisions. They also cover the impacts private and special purpose acquisition companies are having on markets. And, why some innovative companies and technology that are changing our lives may not make great investments.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

The debate around rising inflation and the potential impact on central bank policy has been the key driver for financial markets of late, and last week was no exception.

Quick Thoughts: The Opportunities in Innovation
Equity

Quick Thoughts: The Opportunities in Innovation

Our recent investing in innovation roundtable confirmed that investing in innovation requires intuitive and fundamental knowledge. Matt Moberg, Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager for Franklin Equity Group, Aram Green, Portfolio Manager and Managing Director for ClearBridge Investments, and Chief Market Strategist and Head of Franklin Templeton Investment Institute discuss areas to find equity market inefficiencies.

Muni Market View of The American Jobs Plan
Fixed Income

Muni Market View of The American Jobs Plan

US President Joe Biden recently announced an ambitious new US$2 trillion infrastructure plan, which touches many areas of the US economy. Jennifer Johnston, director of research, Franklin Templeton Municipal Bonds, outlines some highlights of this sweeping legislation, and how it could impact the muni market.

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk – Europe

Last week was unsteady for equity markets with much of the focus on inflation data out of the United States and China. A further easing of restrictions in parts of the UK and Europe will help build the recovery.

Quick Thoughts: Blockchain Innovates and Disrupts
Alternatives

Quick Thoughts: Blockchain Innovates and Disrupts

Blockchain has the potential to launch a new global digital renaissance, transforming financial services, supply chains, healthcare, backend offices, and more.

Climate Change Sectors Heat Up
Equity

Climate Change Sectors Heat Up

Templeton Global Equity Group peels back the multiple layers of the investible climate change universe, and considers how companies can contribute to reducing carbon emissions on a global scale.

Quick Thoughts: How Might the Markets React to Changes in Personal Taxes?
Equity

Quick Thoughts: How Might the Markets React to Changes in Personal Taxes?

Can President Joe Biden muster the votes to raise personal income and capital gains taxes, and if he can, will stocks tumble? Our Chief Market Strategist Stephen Dover discusses.

Reasons We Remain Bullish on Gold
Equity

Reasons We Remain Bullish on Gold

While gold is valued for a variety of reasons, the uncertainty and economic fallout tied to the COVID-19 pandemic saw investment drive the price of the yellow metal to record highs in 2020. Equities related to the sector also saw solid investor interest, but as optimism around an economic recovery has grown, gold has lost some lustre thus far in 2021. Franklin Equity Group Portfolio Manager Steve Land discusses why gold demand could rebound from a weak start to the year, and where he sees potential opportunities for equity investors.

Notes from the Trading Desk—Europe
Equity

Notes from the Trading Desk—Europe

Global equities traded marginally lower last week, with much of the focus at a company level as first quarter (Q1) earnings season progresses. Despite strong earnings and record beats, there was lacklustre price action, with significant divergence in each region.